Re: The psychological effects of quarantining a city
With the rise of the deadly 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) originating from Wuhan City in China that is rapidly spreading across Asia, public terror is at its peak. As of 25th of January 2020, the virus has claimed forty-one lives in China, including one of a medical professional. More than 1,370 cases have been confirmed worldwide, with three confirmed cases in Europe.
The Chinese government has since then quarantined 12 cities, impacting on 35 million residents. Thought to be spread via respiratory droplets produced when an infected subject coughs or sneezes, the recommendations for infection control measures by the World Health Organisation include droplet, airborne, contact precautions.
In the midst of the chaos, the price of surgical masks has spiked across Hong Kong, since new cases were confirmed in the Special Administrative Region. As panicked residents flock to local retailers to stock up on surgical masks, some retailers were found to have tripled prices. Normally costing approximately HK$55-60 for a box of 50 masks, some retailers have now increased the price to HK$200 (£20).
Despite claims by retailers that the increase in price is attributed to limited wholesale supply, this unexpected increase in price in a city once plagued by the 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak has further fueled public anxiety. To avoid exploitation of consumers and to secure a fair supply to its population, neighbouring region Macau has bulk purchased 20 million surgical masks, with a rationed number available to be purchased by every resident. The Taiwan government has halted its export of surgical masks to ensure adequate supply to its people.
At present there is no strong evidence base to support the regular use of surgical masks in public places to prevent transmission of infectious disease. Previous studies reported reduced transmission rates within close contacts in patients with influenza-like illness, when masks and handwashing were used.[1,2]
However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended the use of surgical masks in patients who are suspected subjects or in those who have had close contact with confirmed cases, to prevent further transmission.
In the midst of an infectious disease outbreak, government action is needed to regulate the prices of protective products such as surgical masks, hand sanitisers, as well as ensuring adequate supply for the population. Public education to impart accurate information regarding preventative measures such as hand hygiene, avoiding close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections, avoiding unprotected contact with farm or wild animals is also essential.
References:
1. Cowling B, Chan K, Fang V, et al. Facemasks and hand hygiene to prevent influenza transmission in households: a cluster randomised trial. Ann Intern Med 2009;151:437—46.
2. Simmerman J, Suntarattiwong P, Levy J, et al. Findings from a household randomised controlled trial of hand washing and face masks to reduce influenza transmission in Bangkok, Thailand. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2011;5:256—67.
Rapid Response:
Re: The psychological effects of quarantining a city
With the rise of the deadly 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) originating from Wuhan City in China that is rapidly spreading across Asia, public terror is at its peak. As of 25th of January 2020, the virus has claimed forty-one lives in China, including one of a medical professional. More than 1,370 cases have been confirmed worldwide, with three confirmed cases in Europe.
The Chinese government has since then quarantined 12 cities, impacting on 35 million residents. Thought to be spread via respiratory droplets produced when an infected subject coughs or sneezes, the recommendations for infection control measures by the World Health Organisation include droplet, airborne, contact precautions.
In the midst of the chaos, the price of surgical masks has spiked across Hong Kong, since new cases were confirmed in the Special Administrative Region. As panicked residents flock to local retailers to stock up on surgical masks, some retailers were found to have tripled prices. Normally costing approximately HK$55-60 for a box of 50 masks, some retailers have now increased the price to HK$200 (£20).
Despite claims by retailers that the increase in price is attributed to limited wholesale supply, this unexpected increase in price in a city once plagued by the 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak has further fueled public anxiety. To avoid exploitation of consumers and to secure a fair supply to its population, neighbouring region Macau has bulk purchased 20 million surgical masks, with a rationed number available to be purchased by every resident. The Taiwan government has halted its export of surgical masks to ensure adequate supply to its people.
At present there is no strong evidence base to support the regular use of surgical masks in public places to prevent transmission of infectious disease. Previous studies reported reduced transmission rates within close contacts in patients with influenza-like illness, when masks and handwashing were used.[1,2]
However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended the use of surgical masks in patients who are suspected subjects or in those who have had close contact with confirmed cases, to prevent further transmission.
In the midst of an infectious disease outbreak, government action is needed to regulate the prices of protective products such as surgical masks, hand sanitisers, as well as ensuring adequate supply for the population. Public education to impart accurate information regarding preventative measures such as hand hygiene, avoiding close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections, avoiding unprotected contact with farm or wild animals is also essential.
References:
1. Cowling B, Chan K, Fang V, et al. Facemasks and hand hygiene to prevent influenza transmission in households: a cluster randomised trial. Ann Intern Med 2009;151:437—46.
2. Simmerman J, Suntarattiwong P, Levy J, et al. Findings from a household randomised controlled trial of hand washing and face masks to reduce influenza transmission in Bangkok, Thailand. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2011;5:256—67.
Competing interests: No competing interests